The Professor John P. Keeves Library
A transformational gift from the late Professor John P. Keeves AM (PAC 1934-1942), as well as generous community support of the Prince Alfred College Library Fund, paved the way for the creation of a new Secondary School library, formally opened in June 2022.
The Professor John P. Keeves Library is a library for a new era – light-filled, open plan and dynamic. It offers distinct areas that support a variety of student activities, such as independent reading and research, collaborative learning, and creative thinking. These include a collaborative teaching space, a quiet zone for individual study, study cubicles for individual and small group work, and interactive social zone that houses our help desk, library displays, and a stunning 7-metre-long abstract mural.
“The intent of the library design has been well executed to produce a vibrant space which supports the full spectrum of students’ learning needs”, says Ana Grieve, Head Librarian. “We believe that the space and the environment we have created will encourage many future generations of students to spend time in the PAC library.”
The new Library has been well received by the students, as Year 10 student Hugo Evans notes: “The new Library is a big improvement. I use the Library all the time and it is something I have benefited from greatly. It is a great study space. When I was revising for my exams a few weeks ago, it was really nice to come in here early in the morning and use some of the study rooms with friends and just knuckle down in a quiet and purposeful environment. [The new Library] is something that has enriched the lives of all the students at PAC.”
John S. Keeves, nephew of John P. Keeves, attended the official opening on behalf of the Keeves family, along with his sister Wendy, son James (PAC 2012), Charlie (PAC 2019) wife Flip and niece Emma.
John remarked of his uncle, “John was above all things a scholar and a gentleman in every sense of that word; his life, his purpose was education and scholarship, and the improvement of education. So there would be no more fitting tribute to him and his life than naming this new library after him, at the
school he loved so much and that gave him so much.”
If you would to support the continual upgrade of our library facilities across the College, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Library Fund. 100% of your gift will help fund these important learnings areas.
